Financial Controller

at  Ellison Institute of Technology

About EIT:
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.
EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.
Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence.
EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.
EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation, and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.
EIT Oxford is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Financial Controller who will be responsible for the financial integrity of the organisation. Key responsibilities include overseeing and managing the financial records, preparing statutory and compliance reports, leading reviews with external auditors, and performing essential Controllership duties

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and Document Financial Policies: Create and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and risk management.
• Develop Accounting and Reporting Framework: Build an accounting framework and financial reporting system tailored to EIT Oxford’s needs, ensuring scalability to support future growth.
• Capital Expenditure Management: Design processes for managing capital expenditure, particularly for the new campus construction and major technology projects.
• Enhance Financial Systems and Controls: Support the development and implementation of robust financial systems and controls to manage diverse revenue streams and complex expenditures.
• Oversee Transaction Processing: Manage and oversee transaction processing, including accounts payable, payroll processing, maintaining the chart of accounts, and tracking grants and other incoming funds.
• Ensure Financial Statement Integrity: Safeguard the accuracy of financial statements through rigorous balance sheet and income statement analysis.
• Monitor Financial Health: Maintain oversight on financial matters, including transfer pricing, tax provisions, R&D recharges, and corporate allocations.
• Collaborate with Leadership and Operations: Work closely with senior leadership, project management, and operations teams to ensure financial processes are aligned across departments.
• Maintain Balance Sheet Controls: Ensure control over the Balance Sheet through reviews and account reconciliations, including coordination with auditors.
• Lead Annual Audit Process: Plan and conduct the annual statutory audit, including preparing statutory accounts, compiling audit files, providing ad-hoc analyses, and assisting auditors as needed.
• Manage Cash Flow and Remittance: Oversee cash flow management and the remittance of funds.
• Meet Deadlines Proactively: Ensure timely completion of weekly, month-end, and annual external audit processes by effectively managing workload.
• Promote Financial Discipline: Promote financial awareness and discipline throughout the organisation, continuously advancing financial control.
• Manage Operational Risks: Actively manage operational risks and consistently evaluate and improve controls to mitigate them.
• Safeguard Financial Data: Facilitate the protection and privacy of financial data.
• Support Organisational Strategy: Align with the organisation’s strategic priorities, aiding in the implementation of regulatory commitments or proposed changes.
• Assist Finance Director: Provide support to the Finance Director on ad-hoc projects as needed.
• Collaborate on Budgeting and Forecasting: Work closely with the Head of FP&A to support accurate budgeting and forecasting efforts.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Required qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with deep knowledge of UK accounting standards, financial regulations, and best practices.
• You will have significant experience where you can demonstrate a strong career progression as a Financial Controller, ideally within property and/or technology industries.
• Experience with technical accounting and external accounts and notes preparation.
• Recognisable experience in the management of corporate finances and accounts
• Experience in the preparation of financial and performance reports including an understanding of programme reporting.
• Demonstrable experience in the management of costs within budgetary constraints.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of financial regulations, systems, and procedures.
• Experience in setting up financial systems and processes from scratch, particularly in high-growth or complex environments will be a value add.
• An excellent communicator with the ability to challenge and influence at senior levels with integrity and fairness.
• Excellent knowledge of ERP systems (Oracle Fusion preferred) including a high proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work to tight time scales and maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise time.
• Able to translate financial complexities into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership.
• Ability to build and train teams

Nice to have:

• Experience of working in a multi-national environment would be advantageous.

Terms of Appointment:

• Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role; therefore, candidates must have the permanent right to work in the UK.
• This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of three days per week in the Oxford office, so candidates should live in Oxford or be within a commuting distance
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.

Why work for EIT:
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: £80 - £95K + bonus
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box

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• Establish and Document Financial Policies: Create and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and risk management.
• Develop Accounting and Reporting Framework: Build an accounting framework and financial reporting system tailored to EIT Oxford’s needs, ensuring scalability to support future growth.
• Capital Expenditure Management: Design processes for managing capital expenditure, particularly for the new campus construction and major technology projects.
• Enhance Financial Systems and Controls: Support the development and implementation of robust financial systems and controls to manage diverse revenue streams and complex expenditures.
• Oversee Transaction Processing: Manage and oversee transaction processing, including accounts payable, payroll processing, maintaining the chart of accounts, and tracking grants and other incoming funds.
• Ensure Financial Statement Integrity: Safeguard the accuracy of financial statements through rigorous balance sheet and income statement analysis.
• Monitor Financial Health: Maintain oversight on financial matters, including transfer pricing, tax provisions, R&D recharges, and corporate allocations.
• Collaborate with Leadership and Operations: Work closely with senior leadership, project management, and operations teams to ensure financial processes are aligned across departments.
• Maintain Balance Sheet Controls: Ensure control over the Balance Sheet through reviews and account reconciliations, including coordination with auditors.
• Lead Annual Audit Process: Plan and conduct the annual statutory audit, including preparing statutory accounts, compiling audit files, providing ad-hoc analyses, and assisting auditors as needed.
• Manage Cash Flow and Remittance: Oversee cash flow management and the remittance of funds.
• Meet Deadlines Proactively: Ensure timely completion of weekly, month-end, and annual external audit processes by effectively managing workload.
• Promote Financial Discipline: Promote financial awareness and discipline throughout the organisation, continuously advancing financial control.
• Manage Operational Risks: Actively manage operational risks and consistently evaluate and improve controls to mitigate them.
• Safeguard Financial Data: Facilitate the protection and privacy of financial data.
• Support Organisational Strategy: Align with the organisation’s strategic priorities, aiding in the implementation of regulatory commitments or proposed changes.
• Assist Finance Director: Provide support to the Finance Director on ad-hoc projects as needed.
• Collaborate on Budgeting and Forecasting: Work closely with the Head of FP&A to support accurate budgeting and forecasting efforts